Freelance Writing Jobs Sold to Splashpress Media

When I began the Freelance Writing Jobs blog five years ago, it was a fun hobby. I enjoyed trolling the Internet for job leads each morning and sharing with my fellow freelancers. For me, it was a relaxing way to enjoy my first cup of coffee. In those days, I woke at 4:00 a.m. to find leads as my then three year old son was too high maintenance to allow me to get stuff done during regular business hours. You really have to love what you do to get up that early.

FWJ surprised me by becoming a popular resource for freelance writers. It won awards and accolades and reached the top of the search engines. I worked hard at creating a helpful community for freelance writers, and the freelance writing community responded in kind. I don’t know that I ever meant for FWJ to become a full time job, but it did. Not only did it pay the bills, but it enabled me to hire about ten freelancers so new writers could learn from the best, and veteran writers commiserated and shared with the rest. FWJ became my life and my brand. Thanks to FWJ many clients found me and I made so many friends. This blog changed my life for the better and I don’t know where I’d be now without it. It’s my most valuable experience.

With all that said, you can imagine what I might be feeling when I tell you that I have decided to sell Freelance Writing Jobs.

Yes, the rumors are true.

The blog that became my life, now belongs to someone else.

Why now?

This has been an emotional and difficult decision, one I didn’t settle upon lightly. I have many reasons for selling FWJ. Some I may tell you in time, others I probably won’t discuss. I’m not bankrupt or broke, I’m not losing money and I’m not sick of blogging about writing. I’m not selling out for the almighty dollar. In fact, money was given the least amount of consideration when making this decision. I’ll leave it at saying it’s time to move on. If you have questions about FWJ or why I decided to sell, feel free to ask. Anything you read that didn’t come from me is purely speculation.

It’s time to move on.

Why Splashpress Media?

When I decided to sell FWJ I received a half dozen offers and the one from Splashpress Media wasn’t the highest. However, in selling I had three concerns and Splashpress was the only potential buyer who addressed these three concerns and promised FWJ wouldn’t languish or lose the message and image we worked so hard to maintain throughout the past five years.

My three concerns:

1. The Freelance Writing Jobs Blog

What would happen to FWJ if I sold? Would it sit, neglected, growing tall weeds like some old, abandoned home? Would it become a haven for dollar jobs and spammers? I don’t think I can bear to watch that happen. The people at Splashpress promised they would continue FWJ’s mission and help writers to succeed and find work. They’ll continue to post the best gigs and offer top notch advice. To ensure this will happen, my friend, copywriter and published author Susan Gunelius, is coming on as Managing Editor. I’m confident FWJ will grow beyond even my wildest dreams with Susan at the helm.

2, The FWJ Bloggers

The last thing I wanted was for Splashpress to pull some sort of b5media deal where all the bloggers were kicked out of their blogs and their hard work locked up and taken away. They care about FWJ as much as I do and I wanted them to be treated with dignity. I’m happy to tell you that Splashpress has agreed to continue to allow most of the FWJ bloggers to maintain their blogs. However, some of the bloggers have decided to move on with me. You’ll see a mix of old and new faces here in the upcoming weeks, and I hope you’ll continue to be a sharing and giving community. This is an exciting change, but it’s going to change for the better.

3. The FWJ Community

That’s you. I wanted to make sure you all still had a place to go for quality leads and advice. Anyone can start a writing blog, but not everyone has the experience and to help you land gigs or the talent to help you get where you’re going in a respectful manner. I think you’ll enjoy the new FWJ! Under Susan’s and Splashpress’ care, FWJ will grow bigger than ever.

What now?

Though FWJ will change hands on July 1, I’ll still be around. My favorite freelance bloggers have promised I can guest post for them from time to time. I’m also writing a couple of books, working on projects with other bloggers, and working as Conference Director for BlogWorld Expo. If you would still like to be a part of my bloggy community you can also find me at Kommein.com and the Kommein Facebook page where I blog about social media. I’m on Twitter at debng and will still be chatting you up each day. Though I won’t be blogging here, I have agreed to stay on for three months as a consultant to help ensure a smooth transition.

I may be moving on from the freelance writing world, but I’m not gone by any means. I’m still going to be around the blogosphere and social media space. This isn’t the end of anything, but, rather, the start of another chapter.

I hope you know how much you all mean to me, and how none of this would be possible without your continued support throughout the years. I owe so many people so much, it would be impossible to thank them all on this page.I considered a long list of thank you’s but didn’t want to hurt anyone by forgetting to include them and thought it best not to go that route. I have been reaching out with my individual thank you’s, and if you touched my life, I’ll be in touch with you.

I consider all experiences, both positive and negative to be opportunities for learning and have absolutely no regrets.

I hope you will continue to be a part of the FWJ community, and perhaps even come say hi to me at my other blogs and projects. I’m feeling a bit emotional right now, so I’m going to have to end this.

Thank you to the FWJ community.

Thank you to the FWJ bloggers.

Thank you to my friends and family.

Thank you to those of you who have supported me and my efforts throughout the years.

Thank you to the supportive bloggers and writers who have reached out or linked to FWJ throughout the years.

Indeed, James, it’s sad – sort of like selling the family home or watching one of your children graduate. I don’t think it will be easy watching someone else take care of FWJ, but I know there are exciting things in store for me – and for this blog and the bloggers here.

Thank you, Sharon. I want you know how grateful I am for your friendship and support throughout the years as well. You have been an inspiration to so many freelancers – getting to know you has been a pleasure – and an honor. I look forward to us continuing to grow together.

Ditto, Deb. When I started freelancing, one of my first paying gigs came via this blog. In fact, I think it was the first writing blog I read regularly – and I haven’t stopped in five years. Looking forward to continuing to connect with you in other places.

We wish you all luck and even more success in the future. More success than what you already achieved with FWJ.

It is an honour to be allowed to have FWJ in our portfolio and we will do all we can to make sure Splashpress Media honours all the hard work you and the community have put into FWJ. Every FWJ is important to us and so is every little corner of Freelance Writing Jobs. I am sure that Susan the right person to spearhead FWJ is and we have some more people who will be very active as well.

NO– THANK YOU. Your leads were instrumental in getting me off my feet years ago, and helping me to convince my husband that this was a viable FT job. You’ve helped me to still be an excellent, available mommy, while making more money than I ever did in an office. You have my eternal gratitude for sharing your knowledge.

Congrats, Deb & even though I’m a little sad to see you go, I’m thrilled for you that you are moving to the next level of your career. I wish you all the best & look forward to seeing your other endeavors take off!

Deb – That is great news. The gang at FWJ is one of the groups that convinced me to give freelance writing and marketing a shot. While I selfishly wish you were staying around FWJ as I get started, I am happy to see you growing to a new level. You have left a wake of tips and motivation that I am sure people will be reading for years to come. Thank you for that, and good luck!

Wow, this is phenomenal news. You and your site have made a fundamental difference in my life. I had always written, but dedicated myself to freelance writing full-time three years ago, and I don’t think a week has gone by that I have not consulted this spot for advice and leads. I have not had a slow month (maybe a slow week, though!) since I began freelance writing, largely due to the information posted here. Many thanks for all you have done, making my life with my family, living abroad in Oaxaca, possible!

I think I was one of the first people to know about this, and you will always have my support in what is best for Deb Ng.

I’ve always said that FWJ was the first blog I *ever* read and it was what I needed to become a full time freelancer, a published author, and now, a FWJ blogger too.

It’s always a little sad when something special goes through a big change. But I’m here to support Splashpress and keep FWJ alive, and you and I will continue to spend half our day blethering away on Skype instead of working 🙂

It has been an honor to work for and with this wonderful, classy lady who has been so patient with me and taught me so much. Deb, you deserve every success and good thing that this life has to offer.

I’m looking forward to finding out what Splashpress has in mind as we move onto the next chapter in the FWJ saga. I’m thinking truth, justice, and the FWJ way….I agree wholeheartedly with what Andy is saying about being sad that one thing is finishing while being very happy for Deb as she moves onto bigger and even better things.

Congratulations, Deb! As I have mentioned before,the same as others commenting here, this was the first blog/site I began to read when starting to freelance. Even though I did not “know” you – I did know you – through your daily posts. Thank you for everything.

Congratulations, Deb! Like many of your readers, I’ve received paychecks over the years that came from gigs I found here. FWJ is a daily read along with my morning tea, and will continue to be. Best wishes for continued success!

Have to admit I almost dropped my coffee! Wow! Congrats and I wish you the best. You will be missed and I have hopes that the “new” FWJ will continue to produce the high standard of info that you have provided. Good Luck!

Congrats on the sale, Deb! When Splashpress asked me to take over the site, I knew I had to say yes — to ensure it stays the awesome place it has been for so long and to make sure it continues to be the site you would want it to be.

First About.com and now FWJ. I feel like I’m stalking you – unintentionally of course.m 🙂

Best of luck with all the cool new endeavors I know are waiting for you, Deb. And thank you for letting me keep your FWJ alive in its next stage!

You have inspired so many writers to go for the gusto and we deeply appreciate every single one of your efforts. I remember when you first started this blog and how you’ve always fought so passionately for people to pursue their writing goals (and their proper worth). Thank you!

That it’s time for you to move on isn’t surprising at all. When there’s greatness inside of you, you sometimes have to let go of current attachments in order to achieve the next level of your success.

I’m excited for you and I trust that you’ve left your baby in good hands.

Deb – THANK YOU! When I read this in my feed this morning, I have to tell you, I teared up at the thought of you not being the voice of FWJ.

Your blog was only a year old when I started freelancing. I never obtained a gig from here but I wasn’t coming only for the leads. I came for the information, the sharing and the community. As many have said, I’m sad for the end of this era but I’m also excited for you, the new owners and the writers who have both chosen to stay and go. I look forward to what lies around the corner for everyone. You have been a huge inspiration to me and I’ve learned so much from the other writers who have commented and written here.

Everything I’ve learned I have applied to my business and I honestly think that experience and applying the information you and your writing team have given have helped me come this far.

Thank you Deb for all that you’ve done for me and for being a valuable resource and voice for the freelance writing community. I’ll see you on Twitter I’m sure!

Wow… I didn’t see this coming. My favorite and longest running freelance gig came from your leads. I’ve loved watching your site– and your career– grow through the years. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and other freelancers. We’ll miss you, but you deserve every success.

I am so excited for you Deb I could SQUEEE! Judging by the number of FWJ community members that credit you with helping them to get their start in the writing game I know I’m not being over dramatic by saying the freelance writing world is a better place because of your work.

A couple years ago you created an Idol-style blogger contest to find the next FWJ blogger. I won the contest, but more importantly I won the opportunity to be a part of something really special – the FWJ community. While I’m excited to see you live out the next successful ‘season’ in your life I’m a bit nostalgic for the season gone by.

It has been awesome working with and for you & I can’t wait till you ‘blow up the next spot!’

I look forward to the next phase of FWJ & representing well for my girl from Jersey!

I have to confess that I didn’t see this coming at all. No matter what, it won’t be the same without you but I have to believe that you would never have sold it to someone that wouldn’t keep the general feel going.

Congrats, Deb–I’ll miss your “voice” on FWJ, but I look forward to following what you do in the future. I’ve started reading and enjoying Kommein already, and will be first in line to preorder your book(s). FWJ was a huge inspiration to me when I started freelancing and you have my eternal gratitude for that!

It’s sad to say goodbye to your leadership at Freelance Writing Jobs, Deb, but congratulations on the beginning of a new chapter in your life and on the sale of FWJs. I’m looking forward to seeing where Splashpress Media takes this blog into the future.

Good luck with your new projects and new direction. These are exciting times!

I have been a reader of your blog for a bit now, ever since I began my freelance career in earnest. Thank you for your blog posts; thank you for sharing your knowledge; thank you for sharing your dreams; but most of all, thank you for sharing yourself.

I wish you much success in whatever endeavors you pursue. I know FWJ will continue to enlighten, encourage and educate its readers.

Congrats! And good for you for knowing when it was right to move on. I’m sure it had to be a very difficult choice to make. I got my start with FWJ and I will be forever grateful for all the hard work you put forth to help us all find jobs, especially for those just starting out. I learned so much from you via this blog.

Congratulations Deb! And yes, we will miss you terribly.. However, am glad that you made the decision after so much of thought and ensured that the warmth and spirit of FWJ would remain.. I love coming here not only for the leads but to read, to learn and to be inspired. Here’s hoping that come July 1, everything will be the same!
All the best to you for the big and bright future!
Blessings.

Congrats on closing this chapter with success, good memories, and positive relationships. You’ve created a great site here, and I look forward to your next chapters and adventures! It’s been a pleasure working with you (both with FlexJobs, and with FWJ!). 🙂

Congrats Deb. I know this was a tough decision since FWJ has been your baby for the last 5 years. I’ve learned a lot from you and the other FWJ bloggers. Susan Gunelius is one of the best writers/editors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, so FWJ is definitely in good hands.